Best process/software for Windows XP Pro HDD to HDD backup (auto)?

[Braiii]

I have created a new system intented for programming new .NET software & web applications, so since these items are so critical what can I do to back my system up often?

A year from now my 40GB Western Digital will be filled with new pieces of programming code and applications, what would you recommend to back this up once a week or often than a week?

I have another 40GB, its a IBM Deskstar - can I just do a 40GB to 40GB backup? Can I set the Windows backup system to automatically backup the complete system, like every Monday at 4AM?

Thanks - Rob

I might install Windows 2000 Pro instead of Windows XP Pro.

[tantone]

That's what I do. Use the built-in backup tool with Windows XP Pro. Run through the wizard and you're done.

My computer does a full backup of my selected files/folders every Sunday morning at 2:00am (replacing itself each week), and then it does an Differential nightly at 2:00am (again replacing itself each time).

[rsfnatik]

I've looked into this too... and it seems to be a viable option. The only issue for me is that there's no option to schedule backups on shutdown - that's what I want. I don't want it running on startup and I can't schedule it for a specific time as my machine isn't up 24/7.

I'm running Windows 2000... perhaps an "on shutdown" option was added in XP.

[tantone]

Can you just leave the machine on 24/7?

Since there's no "on shutdown" option in XP, you'll have to run it manually if you don't plan on having it run at set times and need to constantly move the backup times around.

[rsfnatik]

I don't want to leave the machine on 24/7... just seems wasteful as we're only home in the evenings.

I find it very odd that MS has left this option out of the wizard... aside from scheduling backups for when the system is not expected to be in use backing up on shutdown would be the least intrusive method.

[tantone]

I think the most probable reason is that most people want their computer to shut down when the click Shut Down, not take an extended period of time to perform a task and then shut down.

Depending on the amount of data you're trying to back up, this could take quite a long time.

[rsfnatik]

Agreed, this is why I don't want to backup on startup.

I usually turn off my machine before going to bed... it can take as long it wants to backup then. I guess i'll have to investigate a third-party utility for this then.

[tantone]

Look, this isn't what you want to hear, but just leave the computer on when you go to bed, schedule your backup for a little later than that, then use the shutdown.exe program and the AT command (or Task Scheduler) to shut down after the backup. Of course, you may have to leave it on over night a few times to get a good idea for how long the backups will take so you know how long you need to wait before performing a shutdown.

I know that you said it seemed wasteful to leave it on, but you might be surprised how little power computers actually use when left on. I have 3 running at all times at my house, as well as a server. That is, by far, the most low tech solution to your problem.

[rsfnatik]

Maybe i'll give a shot tantone, thanks for the input.

[rsfnatik]

I think i've got a solution:

- Build a .bat file to execute the backup utility

How to Use Command Line Parameters With the "Ntbackup" Command

- Launch the Group Policy editor and add the .bat file to the shutdown (computer configuration) or logoff script (user configuration)

HOW TO: Assign Scripts in Windows 2000

**Note that the Group Policy snap-in (gpedit.msc) is only available in Windows 2000 and Windows XP Pro.

I'll see if I have time to try this out tonight... will post results.

[tantone]

That will work too. Good solution.